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Why to use
ENERGY STAR Qualified Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs):
- Last up to 10 times longer than standard
incandescent bulbs
- Use 1/3 the energy of ordinary bulbs
- Save an average of $30 each or more in energy
costs over their lifetime; change five bulbs to ENERGY STAR and save
more than $150!
- Fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and
outdoors
- Convenient in hard-to-reach and high-use
fixtures because of their long life
- Generate 70 percent less heat than standard
lighting, cutting home cooling costs
- Provide the same amount of light (lumens) as
standard incandescent bulbs, but use fewer watts of energy Backed by a minimum
2-year manufacturer warranty
- Prevent more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas
emissions each over their life
Where to use:
- To get the most energy savings, replace bulbs
where lights are on the most, such as your family and living room,
kitchen, dining room, and porch
- Remember, CFLs work better in open fixtures
that allow air flow
How to choose:
- Matching the right type of CFL to the right
kind of fixture helps ensure that it will perform properly and last a
long time. Read the packaging to be sure that the type you choose works
for the fixture you have in mind. For example:
- For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a
‘reflector’ CFL instead of a standard type
- If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or
three-way switch, select CFLs that are labeled as appropriate for a
dimmer or three-way switch
- To get the right amount of light, choose an
ENERGY STAR qualified light bulb that offers the same light output, or
lumen rating, as the light you are replacing. The higher the lumen
rating, the greater the light output
- Choose the color that works best for you. For
example, while most CFLs are created with warm colors for most rooms in
your home, you might choose a cooler color for task lighting
What to do
when a CFL Burns Out:
EPA
recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options
for compact fluorescent light bulbs. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers
and major U.S.
retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact
their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org to identify local
recycling options. If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in
the garbage, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it into the outside
trash, or other protected outside location, for the next normal trash
collection. CFLs should not be disposed of in an incinerator. ENERGY STAR
qualified CFLs have a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty
period, look at the CFL base to find the manufacturer’s name. Visit the
manufacturer’s web site to find the customer service contact information to
inquire about a refund or replacement.
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